'Les Petits Meutres' "Rendez-vous Avec La Mort" (2019)
Opening thoughts: 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' is inconsistent, but it is also interesting and enjoyable. Did feel though that Larosiere and Lampion were far more interesting characters than to Alice and especially Laurence and gelled far better and quicker, yet they were in less episodes. Never had any problem with Alice, who is a joy in every episode, but their chemistry wasn't always harmonious and it took me a while to warm to Laurence (who thankfully has come on a long way as a character).
"Rendez-Vous Avec La Mort" is the third filmed adaptation of 'Appointment with Death'. Which is not one of the Queen of Crime's very best books, but is well worth reading for the setting and the juicy character of Mrs Boynton. While the Peter Ustinov adaptation (which is my least favourite of his six outings as Poirot) is more faithful to the book, even with changes, there is actually a preference for the admittedly very, very loose but much more polished visually and in acting David Suchet adaptation. Am aware of this being a contrarian opinion, as that gets a lot of hate. "Rendez-Vous Avec La Mort" is also loose, but is very, very enjoyable in its own right.
Bad things: It does take a long time to get going plot wise, meaning that the pace of the first half felt sluggish and not always eventful.
Good things: However, there is a huge amount to recommend. Production values are handsome and makes one nostalgic for the period with it being so lovingly recreated. The beautiful photography complements more than nicely. The music matches the light-hearted and at times very atmospheric tone very well. The script is sophisticated and humorous in the right places while also being thoughtful and taking it seriously without going overboard on that.
The second half is much stronger, much richer and more intricate with plenty of twists and turns without feeling over-stuffed. All plausible and easy to follow, while also not too easy to figure out. The episode clearly enjoyed making Clemence as thoroughly detestable as possible, occasionally overdoing it, and she is every inch the gorgon-like character as ought. Alice is irresistible and Laurence has come on a lot as a character. The acting is very good, with Mireille Herbstmeyer looking as though she was having the time of her life and unsettling in it.
Closing thoughts: Overall, very well done.
8/10.
